M E C H A N I C A L C O M P O N E N T S

M E C H A N I C A L C O M P O N E N T S 

www.DanaherMotion.com • 815-226-2222 

94


INTRODUCTION 

SCREWS, ACTUATORS, STAGES 

If you're in the need of linear motion components or positioning systems, you've come to the 

right place. In the pages of this catalog, you will find a sampling of one of the most 

comprehensive ranges of electric linear actuators, mechanical positioning stages, ball screws, 

lead screws and rotary positioning systems available from any manufacturer in the world. 

ELECTRIC CYLINDERS 

Primarily designed to apply a force through an extendable rod, applications for IDC Electric 

Cylinders have gone from being a clean and efficient replacement for hydraulic actuators and 

pneumatic cylinders to becoming a common alternative to many types of linear 

transmissions. A wide variety of mounting and coupling alternatives significantly increases 

the problem solving potential of IDC Electric Cylinders. 

RODLESS ACTUATORS 

Need more load carrying capability Long travel, quiet operation and high moment loading 

differentiates IDC Rodless Actuators from other mechanical transmissions. The dichotomy of 

the high-force screw drive option and the high-speed belt option makes these products and 

ideal solution in many applications. 

CARTESIAN SYSTEMS 

Let Danaher Motion's experts completely design and, if you wish, assemble a multi-axis 

electromechanical system for you. IDC Cartesian systems are made by combining our 

moderate and heavy-duty actuators into 2 and 3-axis linear motion systems covering over 

6048 square inches of work area. Put our engineers and technicians to work for you. 

POSITIONING STAGES 

IDC's family of positioning stages work best where accurate and repeatable motion is critical. 

IDC offers a wide variety of single and multi-axis configurations, open and closed frame 

stages, ball screw, lead screw or linear motor driven and overhung and constant-support 

geometry configurations. 

ROTARY TABLES 

IDC rotary tables provide high rotary positioning repeatability and accuracy in driven and 

direct-drive models. 

BALL SCREW ASSEMBLIES 

For maximum precision and minimum friction, BS&A ball screw assemblies provide a wide 

range of available linear motion options. With many ball nut mounting configurations and 

screw precision grades, BS&A offers a ball screw that's right for your needs. 

LEAD SCREW ASSEMBLIES 

Rolled Acme lead screws are an excellent, economical means of accomplishing linear motion 

in many applications. For over 15 years, Ball Screws and Actuators has manufactured the 

highest quality lead screw assemblies. Our precision rolling machines ensure accurate 

positioning to 0.003 in/ft and our PTFE coating process produces assemblies that have less 

drag torque and last longer. 

Ball Screws and Actuators provides a large array of standard plastic nut assemblies in antibacklash 

or standard Supernut designs. For significantly higher loads, standard bronze nuts 

are available. 


With the introduction of our new patent pending Zero-Backlash designs, BS&A provides 

assemblies with high axial stiffness, zero backlash and the absolute minimum drag torque to 

reduce motor requirements. These designs produce nuts that cost less, perform better and 

last longer. Both automatically adjust for wear, insuring zero backlash for the life of the nut. 

95 

Solutions by


IDC SELECTION OVERVIEW 

ACTUATORS, STAGES 


Product Description 

Electric Cylinder Highest Force (Thrust) 1300 

Rod Type Clean, Hydraulic Replacement (51.3) 

Compact Cross Section 

SEE PAGE 98 

Extends into Work Area 

Rodless Actuators Highest Force (Thrust) 1000 

Screw Drive High Repeatability (40) 

Long Travel 

SEE PAGE 99 

Load Carrying Capability 

Rodless Actuators Very High Speed 3000 

Belt Drive Quiet Operation (120) 

Long Travel 

SEE PAGE 99 

Load Carrying Capability 

Cartesian Systems Fully Engineered Multi-Axis Systems 3000 

Complete 2 & 3 Axis Assemblies Large Work Area – 60x108 inches (120) 

Multiple & Custom Configurations 

SEE PAGES 100-101 

Long Travel 

Positioning Stages Smoothest Motion 1300 

High Precision (Straightness & Flatness) (51.3) 

Highest Moment Loads 

High Accuracy 


XY, XYZ, and XYθ Configurations 


High Precision Ballscrew Stage High Accuracy (9.8) 

Ideal for Vertical Applications 


Positioning Stages Highest Speed 3000 

Linear Shuttle Stage High Accuracy (120) 

Longest Travel 



Crossed Roller Ballscrew Stage High Precision (9.8) 

High Accuracy 

SEE PAGE 106 

Low-Profile Monolithic Design 

Product Description 

Maximum Speed 

mm/sec (in/sec)(Note 3) 

Maximum Speed 

rev/sec (rev/min) 

Rotary Table Accuracy to 3 arc minutes 1.5 (900) input 

Ratios to 36:1 to 180:1 

0.42 (25) output 

Low Static Torque 


Low Backlash 

Direct Drive Rotary Table Accuracy to 0.6 arc minutes 10 (600) output 

Free of Backlash and Torque Variations 

Compact Cross-section and Footprint 


High Precision 

Note 1: Electric Cylinders are designed primarily for thrust applications where loads are supported externally. 

Note 2: Thrust ratings are based on mechanical limits rather than motor limits unless indicated. 

Note 3: Maximum Speed and Thrust ratings are not necessarily achievable simultaneously. 

96


IDC SELECTION OVERVIEW 

ACTUATORS, STAGES 

Repeatability Maximum Thrust Maximum Payload Maximum Travel 

mm (in) (Note 5) N (lbs) (Notes 2 & 3) N (lbs) mm (in) 

0.013 25000 (Note 1) 1524 

(to 0.0005) (5620) (60) 

0.013 3110 1335 2743 

(to 0.0005) (to 700) (300) (108 ) 

0.1 1335 1335 2743 

(to 0.004) (300) (300) (108) 

(667) (1524x2743) 

(Note 6) (Note6) to 150 60x108 

0.004 1041 6592 1524 

(to 0.00016) (to 234) (to 1482) (to 60) 

bi-directional 

0.001 Note 7 185 250 

(0.0004) (407) (10) 


0.001 Note 7 75 915 

(0.0004) (165) (36) 


0.001 Note 7 80 kg 250x250 

(0.0004) (175) (10x10) 


Repeatability Axial Load Radial Load Diameter 

arc minutes N (lbs) N (lbs) mm (in) 

0.3 480 152 to 304.8 100 to 305 

(to 214) (to 108) 

0.14 980 490 100, 200 

(4, 8) 

Note 4: Repeatability is dependent on encoder resolution, load, friction, settling time and gain settings in the servo control. 

Note 5: Repeatability is uni-directional unless otherwise specified. 

Note 6: Cartesian systems can be configured using a combination of IDC technologies. Repeatability and Max. Thrust are dependent on the technology selected. 

Note 7: Electric Cylinders and Rodless Actuators are preferred for higher thrust applications. Consult factory for axial load applications requiring precision stages. 


97


IDC ELECTRIC CYLINDER 

ACTUATORS 

An Electric Cylinder is Preferred When: 

• Positioning an externally guided and supported load. 

• Moving a load that pivots. 

• There is a high concentration of airborne contaminants 

(rodless actuators are inherently less well protected) 

• Replacing a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder with an electromechanical 

solution. 

IDC ELECTRIC CYLINDER 

The year 2000 marked 25 years since IDC pioneered the “electric 

cylinder” technology as a hydraulic and pneumatic alternative. Twentyfive 

years of research, design and application experience are represented 

by IDC’s N Series and EC Series of electric cylinders. The terms robust, 

flexible and quick delivery are best used to contrast these product lines. 

Introduced in ’98, the robust design of IDC’s EC line of electric cylinders 

delivers industry leading performance and specifications. High grade 

components are used to create a more durable, reliable and 

forgiving actuator. 

EC Series 

• Highest performance 

• Precision rolled ballscrews: for smoothness and accuracy 

• Robust: designed for highest loads and longest life possible 

• Environmentally sealed (IP54/optional IP65) 

• Metric dimensions ISO6431 

• Acme screw versions available 

N Series 

• Smallest package 

• Most flexible: (largest selection of factory-engineered 

options in the industry) 

• English NFPA dimensions 

• Improved durability 

• Quick delivery 

• Acme screw versions available 


After selling tens of thousands of special and standard N Series cylinders 

to thousands of customers in hundreds of applications, IDC introduced 

the next generation N cylinder, the N2. Years of development makes the 

N2 the industry’s most flexible electric cylinder available. Odds are that if 

you need it, an N series cylinder has done it. 

Flexible – The N2 is IDC’s follow-up to the popular N Series cylinder 

which has found its way into thousands of applications throughout the 

world. Regardless of the environment or requirement, IDC has likely 

solved your application before with a standard or modified N Series 

cylinders. The new design of the N2 adds improved durability and easeof-use 

to the industry’s largest selection of factory engineered options 

available today. 

Robust – The EC series is IDC’s highest performance line of electric 

cylinders. Designed for the most demanding applications, the EC series 

is IDeal when the maximum available performance and the longest cycle 

life are required. Precision rolled ballscrews provide smooth motion, 

accurate positioning, and quiet operation. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

EC2 EC3 EC4 EC5 N2 

Thrust 

N (lbs) 3600 (810) 7200 (1620) 12000 (2700) 25000 (5620) 2670 (600) 

Speed 

mm/s (in/s) 1280 (50.4) 1280 (50.4) 1330 (52.4) 1330 (52.4) 760 (29.9) 

Stroke 

mm (in) 600 (23.6) 750 (29.5) 1500 (59.1) 1500 (59.1) 420 (16.5) 

98


IDC RODLESS ACTUATOR 

ACTUATORS 

Use Rodless Actuators (vs. Electric Cylinders) When You Need: 

• To position and guide a load for the lowest system cost. 

• To save space by eliminating external guides and ways. 

• The shortest overall work envelope (extended length equals 

retracted length). 

• To combine multiple units into Cartesian systems. 

• To complete, compact linear positioning system. 

IDC RODLESS ACTUATOR 

The name “Rodless Actuator” comes from this technology’s close 

relationship to Electric Cylinders sharing many of the same components. 

Rather than having a rod, Rodless Actuators incorporate a carriage 

supported by linear bearings. Where Electric Cylinders are designed to 

extend in and out of the work area delivering force or thrust, Rodless 

Actuators are designed to be load carrying mechanisms (up to 300 lbs) 

incorporating ballscrew, leadscrew, or belt drive transmissions with 

optional integrated gearboxes. 

Rodless Actuators also share many of the fundamental design 

characteristics of Precision Positioning Tables . Precision Tables are 

designed to carry larger payloads and deliver superior repeatability and 

accuracy performance, Rodless Actuators offer longer travels (up to 

108") and higher speeds (belt drives maximum speed 120 in/sec) at a 

lower price. 

The R Series Rodless Actuator also forms the basis of IDC's Cartesian 

products. Rodless Actuators and Electric Cylinders can be combined to 

form a formidable XYZ positioning solution. See page 100-101. 

R Series 

• Ballscrew, Acme Screw & Belt Versions 

• Integrated load carrying support bearing 

• Integrated seal strip 

• IDeal system option 

• English and metric actuator carriage mounting 

SPECIFICATIONS 

R2A R2A R3 R3 R4 R4 

Screw Driven Belt Driven Screw Driven Belt Driven Screw Driven Belt Driven 

Thrust 

N (lbs) 450 (100) 100 600 200 800 300 

Speed 

mm/s (in/s) 760 (30) 2000 (80) 760 (30) 3000 (120) 1000 (40) 3000 (120) 

Travel 

mm (in) 1830 (72) 1830 (72) 1830 (72) 1830 (72) 2740 (108) 2740 (108) 

Loading 

N (lbs) 220 (50) 220 (50) 440 (100) 440 (100) 1300 (300) 1300 (300) 


99


IDC CARTESIAN SYSTEMS OVERVIEW 

ACTUATOR SYSTEMS 

MULTI-AXIS INTEGRATION COMPONENTS 

Driveshaft 

Tubular driveshaft with high torque flexible 

couplings, available in lengths as required by 

your application. 

IDC CARTESIAN SYSTEMS 

Overview 

Cartesian Actuator Systems combine R3 or R4 Series rodless actuators 

to create two and three-axis linear motion systems. Work areas range up 

to 4 by 8 feet, depending on mechanical configuration, with optional 

Z-axis options up to 12 inches. IDC offers a complete system, including 

motors and controls, a driveshaft, interface brackets, and cable track kits. 

Factory-based engineering services include component selection 

assistance, CAD drawings of your system, and your choice of shipped 

assembled, or as components. 

Idler/Driven Actuators 

Idler actuators provide external bearing support 

to build low-cost systems when actuators are 

mounted less than 15" apart. Driven actuators 

are used with a driveshaft. 


Design Services 

To assist in the integration process, IDC’s engineering staff offers 

the following: 

• Component sizing and part number selection 

• System configuration 

• Verifying available work area, load/actuator interference 

checking 

• Dimensional/layout drawing of Assembled System 

• Shipped as a fully assembled, crated system (optional) 

Cartesian Actuator Capabilities 

• Speeds up to 120 in/sec 

• Payloads from 0 to 150 lb 

• Speed/Thrust performance characterized for all cataloged 

motors 

• 2", 3" and 4" Brushless Servo Motors 

• NEMA 23, 34, and 42 Step Motors 

Custom Capabilities 

Consult the factory regarding the following options: 

• Larger work areas 

• Higher payloads 

• Precision planetary gearheads, mounted between motor and 

actuator, for lower backlash or alternate speed range 

• Custom carriage options for special Z-axis or special mounting hole 

pattern 

• Complete Cartesian Systems, pre-assembled by our factory 

technical staff 

• High flex cables for motors, limit switches 

Brackets/Adapters 

Standard mounting brackets are available for 

the following: 

• Z-axis actuators 

• A second Y actuator for added stiffness 

• Inverted Y axis actuator(s) 

• X-axis adapter to aluminum framing vendors 

(universal for Item, 80/20, Bosch and others) 

Cable Track Kits 

Flexible cable track for routing motor, feedback, 

and limit switch cables to Y and Z axes. 

100

Y 

X 


IDC CARTESIAN SYSTEMS OVERVIEW 

ACTUATOR SYSTEMS 

COMMON SYSTEM TYPES 

TYPE 1 - DUAL X WITH DRIVESHAFT, SINGLE Y-AXIS 

• Basic Cartesian system 

• Driveshaft increases accuracy 

• Y-axis travel up to 60" (1.5 m) 

X/X': Two R3 or R4 Series, coupled 

with driveshaft 

Y: One R3 or R4 Series 

Sample Components List 

X-axis: R3S33V-50T-S-24-AR-ASE 

X'-axis: R3-T-SR-24-ASE 

Y-axis: R3S23V-20T-18-BR-ASE 

Driveshaft: DS-R3-25 

Cable Track: CT-R3-R3-24-B 

Limit Switches: 2 RPI-25 (home), 

4 RP2-25 (end of travel) 

Cable Track Kit 

X’-axis 

DBXC 

[50.8] 2.0 

[76.2] 3.0 Typ 

Physical Stroke Limits 

Typical Work Area 

[mm] in 

Y 

Drive Shaft 

X 

Y-axis 

X-axis 

TYPE 2 - DUAL X WITH DRIVESHAFT, DUAL Y-AXIS 

• Recommended for Z-axis application 

• Stiffest Y-axis configuration 

• Driveshaft increases accuracy 

• Y-axis travel up to 60" (1.5 m) 

X/X': Two R3 or R4 Series, coupled with 

driveshaft 

Y: Two R3 or R4 Series: One with motor, one Idler 


X-axis: R3B32-50T-S-60-AR-ASE 

X'-axis: R3-T-SR-60-ASE 

Y-axis: R3B32-50T-S-42-AR-ASE 

Y'-axis: R3-IDLER-42-ASE 

Driveshaft: DS-R3-49 

Cable Track: CT-R3-R3-60-A 



Mtg. Brackets: 2 MB-2R3-R3 (mounts Y & 

Y' to X & X' carriages) 

Cable Track Kit 

X’-axis 

X 

Y 

[mm] in 

DBXC 

[76.2] 3.0 

Typ 

[50.8] 2.0 

Y-axis 

Y’-axis 

(Idler) 

Drive Shaft 

Physical Stroke Limits 


DBYC 

X-axis 

TYPE 3 - DUAL X WITH IDLER, SINGLE Y-AXIS 

• Lowest cost X-Y system 

• 15" max. spacing between X and X' 

X/X': Two R3 or R4 Series: Screw 

or belt, one with motor, 

one Idler 

Y: One R3 or R4 Series 


X-axis: R4B41-100T-36-CR-ASE 

X'-axis: R4-IDLER-36-ASE 

Y-axis: R4B32-501B-12-PR-ASE 

Driveshaft: Not required 

Cable Track: Optional 



Mtg. Brackets: 6 MB-R4-AF1 (mounts 

X & X' to aluminum 

framing) 

Physical 

Stroke Limit 


Y-axis 

X-axis 

DBXC 

[50.8] 2.0 

[76.2] 3.0 

Typ 

[mm] in 

X’-axis (Idler) 

[25.4] 1.0 

[50.8] 2.0 Typ 

TYPE 4 - DUAL X WITH IDLER, DUAL Y-AXIS 

• Lowest cost Z-axis capable system 

• 15" max. spacing between X and X' 

• Increased roll stiffness (Y-axis) 

X/X': Two R3 or R4 Series: One with motor, 

one Idler, screw or belt 

Y: Two R3 or R4 Series: One with motor, one Idler 


X-axis: R3B23-105B-24-PR-ASE 

X'-axis: R3-IDLER-24-ASE 

Y-axis: R3B23-102B-18-PR-ASE 

Y'-axis: R3-IDLER-18-ASE 

Driveshaft: Not required 

Cable Track: Optional 



Mtg. Brackets: 2 MB-2R3-R3 (mounts Y & 

Y' to X & X' carriages) 

R3/R3 Driveshaft R4/R4 Driveshaft R3/R3 Idler R4/R4 Idler 

(Type 1, 2) (Type 1, 2) (Type 3, 4) (Type 3, 4) 

Max Travel Area (X by Y) mm (in) 2750 x 1520 (108 x 60) 2750 x 1520 (108 x 60) 2750 x 610 (108 x 24) 1220 x 610 (48 x 24) 

Max. Spacing Between X & X' mm (in) 1700 ( to 67) 1700 (to 67) 380 (to 15) 380 (to 15) 

Load Capacity N (lb) 220 (0-50) 660 (0-150) 220 (0-50) 660 (0-150) 

Max. Speed mm/s (in/s) 3000 (120) 3000 (120) 3000 (120) 3000 (120) 

Repeatability (per axis) mm (in) ±0.004 (±0.10) ±0.004 (±0.10) ±0.004 (±0.10) ±0.004 (±0.10) 

Backlash 

20T, 30T models mm (in) ±0.75 (0.03) ±0.75 (0.03) ±0.75 (0.03) ±0.75 (0.03) 

50T, 70T, 100T models mm (in) ±1.50 (0.06) ±1.50 (0.06) ±1.50 (0.06) ±1.50 (0.06) 

Motor Types Available 1.8˚ Step Motor 1.8˚ Step Motor 1.8˚ Step Motor 1.8˚ Step Motor 

Brushless Servo Brushless Servo Brushless Servo Brushless Servo 

DBYC 

X-axis 

Typical Work 

Area 

X 

Physical 

Stroke Limits 

Y 

[50.8] 2.0 

[76.2] 3.0 

Typ 

DBXC 

[mm] in 

X'-axis 

(Idler) 

Y-axis 

Y’-axis (Idler) 


101


IDC STAGES 

STAGES 

IDC STAGES 

Do I need a Precision Table 

The first step toward choosing the correct motion system for your 

application, before considering specific performance parameters or 

technologies, is to consider which type of motion system might be the 

best fundamental fit for your application goals. 


Electric Cylinders are essentially thrust producing devices that are best 

suited for applications requiring high axial force with the moment and 

side loads already properly supported. Screw driven Rodless Actuators 

are also thrust producing devices that are best for axial force applications 

where the space is limited and a payload must also be supported or 

carried. As individual components, Rodless Actuators are not well suited 

for moment loading; however, they can be effectively combined into 

complete Cartesian Systems for some multi-axis applications. For higher 

speed, lower thrust applications, Rodless Actuators can be repeatably 

driven with a timing belt instead of a screw. Linear Motor Actuators are 

ideal for high throughput applications that require repeatability and high 

system dynamics. Precision Positioning Tables are best suited for 

applications where the accuracy and repeatability requirements are more 

important than axial thrust of the drive train. Precision Positioning Tables 

can also be used in less precise applications where adequate moment 

load support is necessary. Precision Positioning Tables are ideal building 

blocks for complete multi-axis positioning systems. 

102


STAGES SELECTION OVERVIEW 

STAGES 

Does this application require a 

Rotary Precision Table 

NO 

Does this application require an 

Open Frame Precision Table 

Does this application require a 

Miniature Precision Table 

YES YES YES 

NO 

NO 

RT/RTR ROTARY PRECISION TABLE 

• 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch diameters 

• 45:1, 90:1 and 180:1 drive ratios 

• Normal loads up to 100 lb (45 kg) 

• Bi-directional Repeatability 18 arc-sec 

• Tilt (40 arc-sec) 

OFS/OFL OPEN FRAME PRECISION TABLE 

• 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 20 and 25 inch travel lengths 

• 0.2 inch, 10 mm and 20 mm lead ballscrews 

• Normal Loads up to 198 lb (90 kg) 

• Bi-directional Repeatability 6 microns 

(0.00024 inches) 

• Straightness and Flatness 2.5 microns per 25 mm 

CP3 MINIATURE PRECISION TABLE 

• 2.63 inch x 1.75 inch cross section 

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch travels 

• 0.025 inch, 0.1 inch and 0.2 inch leadscrews 

• Normal Loads up to 58 lb (26.3 kg) 


(0.00120 inches) 

• Straightness and Flatness 12 microns per 25 mm 

Which of the following characteristics best describes this application 

Non-recirculating Bearings 

• Shorter Travels 

• No Heavy Moment Loading 

• Cantilevered Top 

• Ultra Smooth Motion 

• No Heavy Impact Loading 

• Acceleration up to 1.0 g 

Recirculating Bearings 

• Longer Travels 

• Moment Loading 

• Protective Covers 

• Very Smooth Motion 

• Impact Loading 

• Acceleration up to 2.0 g 

Does this application require a small 

footprint or protective covers 

YES 

NO 

PB4 ULTRA PRECISION TABLE 

• 4 inch x 2.5 inch cross section 

• 2 and 4 inch travels 

• 2.5 mm and 0.2 inch lead ballscrews 

• Normal Loads up to 79 lb (35.8 kg) 


(0.00024 inches) 


• Protective neoprene bellows covers 

RB4A HIGH PRECISION TABLE 


• 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 inches 

• 2.5 mm, 0.2 inch and 0.5 inch lead ballscrews 



0.00024 inches) 



Does this application require a wider 

footprint or longer travel 

CP8 ULTRA PRECISION TABLE 


• 5, 7, 9 and 12 inch travels 

• 2.5 mm, 0.2 inch and 0.5 inch lead ballscrews 



(0.00024 inches) 


Does this application require normal loading or travel up to the following limits 

(If the answer to these questions is more, please contact IDC to discuss your application.) 

NO 

RB6 AND RC6 HIGH PRECISION TABLES 


• 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 inch travels 

• 0.2 inch, 10 mm and 20 mm lead ballscrews 



(0.00024 inches) 


Please refer to the 

Recirculating Bearing 

Precision Table 

Choices. 

97 lb (44 kg) 425 lb (193 kg) 1250 lb (567 kg) 

YES 

RB8 HIGH PRECISION TABLE 


• 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60 

inch travels 

• 0.2 inch, 10 mm and 1.0 inch lead ballscrews 



(0.00024 inches) 




Which covers are needed 

Protective Bellows 

RB6 HIGH 

PRECISION TABLE 

Aluminum Plate 

RC6 HIGH 

PRECISION TABLE 

103

M E C H A N I C A L C O M P O N E N T S

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